MacPherson: Don’t overlook The Woodlands Christian Academy

A poll recently put on this website asked readers: “What area team will win the most playoff games?”

The Woodlands girls, College Park boys and Magnolia girls for the most part dominated the voting. But voters overlooked the most obvious and logical choice: The Woodlands Christian Academy.

Hidden in the pine trees that line College Park Drive, TWCA has quietly put together a TAPPS dynasty, winning three of the last four Class 3A state championships.

It’s easy to overlook the team given the low profile that TAPPS tends to present and the lack of local rivalries that go a long with their district. But any team that plays the Warriors will tell you they should not be overlooked.

The Warriors have as much size as any team in the area, guards that can cross you over as quickly as they can lock you up and a high-profile coach with high-level experience.

They are for real.

The Warriors, who defeated San Marcos Academy 50-41 in the regional playoffs Saturday, will try to continue their run for a fourth state title in five years when they take on Garland Christian at 9 p.m. Friday in the state semifinals. Don’t be surprised if they get it either.

TWCA’s quest for that fourth state banner hinges on a mix of speed, athleticism and size. The Warriors are as deep as anybody in their classification and can adjust their game as needed because of it.

The Warriors feature 6-foot-8 center Darby Dewine as well as 6-foot-5 swingman James Bento. Dewine provides the defensive prowess while Bento can score and rebound as well as anybody.

The Warrior guards include College Park transfer and all-everything football player Todd Eaglin, who runs the point. Eaglin brings lock-down defense and handles that would make Allen Iverson jealous.

The three aforementioned players as well as Jeremy Swisher, Stew Gettys, Colton Wilkins and Justin Jeggle provide a balanced attack unseen at the TAPPS 3A level. Any one of the Warriors 11 players could go off for 20 points in any given game and nobody would be surprised.

Add in former University of Houston standout Reid Gettys as head coach and you have a dangerous mix.

Saturday’s game against San Marcos Academy proved exactly why the Warriors are so deadly.

TWCA’s guards carried the team in the first half, providing quick scores off defense and a steady dose of sharpshooting.

After halftime, the Warriors turned to their forwards. Bento exploded for 13 second half points and Dewine controlled the paint, collecting four of his seven blocks in the game.

While it’s admittedly easy to overlook the smaller teams in the area, don’t underestimate them.

TWCA have the makeup of a state championship team - this weekend the Warriors will prove it.

Keith MacPherson is the Sports Editor of The Courier. He can be reached at kmacpherson@hcnonline.com or follow him on Twitter @ConroeSports